How I Gained 3,000 Followers in Just 60 Days and How You Can Too
I sat at my desk, sipping lukewarm coffee, staring at a number on the screen: 3,000. That’s how many people now follow my writing on Medium. Two months ago, that number was zero. No followers, no “claps,” not even expectations. Just a guy with a laptop and a hunch that sharing knowledge might resonate with someone out there. Turns out, I was right—and it happened faster than I imagined.
This isn’t about luck or secret algorithm hacks. It’s about consistency, honesty, and giving people something they actually want to read. Here’s what I did, and how you can do it too—whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up.
Stop Overthinking—Just Write
When I started, I didn’t have a grand plan or a polished niche. I just wrote about what I knew: coding, making money online, and the craft of writing itself. That simple. No endless brainstorming or aesthetic vision boards. I focused on topics I could explain in my sleep, and it paid off.
Here’s the deal: Medium readers aren’t looking for Shakespeare. They want practical, relatable content that hits home. A 2024 Pew Research study found 62% of Americans seek practical advice online to improve their lives—whether it’s about career, finances, or personal growth. So I zeroed in on three evergreen areas: programming, writing, and social skills. My first coding post went viral, but my articles on writing and side hustles? Those built loyal readers. Not because they were masterpieces, but because they were honest and helpful.
If you’re stuck on where to start, ask yourself: “What do I know that could help someone else?” Write that. You don’t need a niche to begin—you just need to begin.
Keep It Simple and Real
I’m not writing novels. My posts are short, direct, and to the point. I stumbled on a simple formula that works:
- A hook that grabs attention in the first 3 seconds
- A bit of story or insight to make it human
- Practical tips people can use right away
- A closing that feels like a friend talking, not a sales pitch
No fluff. No 1,000-word intro about my morning routine. People are busy—53% of U.S. adults feel overwhelmed by information overload, per a 2023 Gallup survey. They want value without the baggage. So I cut the filler and deliver the core. You should too.
Show Up Every Day (Yes, Every Day)
Consistency isn’t sexy, but it’s critical. I posted every day for those two months. Not because I’m a robot, but because I wanted momentum. Every post was a chance to connect, learn what readers liked, and prove I was serious.
I also mixed things up to avoid monotony: a coding tutorial today, a writing tip tomorrow, then a side hustle piece. This variety let me reach different Medium audiences without being boxed into one category. The result? Wider reach and steady follower growth.
Data backs this up. A 2024 HubSpot study found creators who post daily get 3.5 times more engagement than those posting weekly. It’s not about flooding the platform—it’s about showing you’re reliable. Readers start to trust you, and trust turns into followers.
Talk to Readers Like Friends
Here’s a not-so-secret secret: interaction breeds interaction. When someone left a comment on my post, I didn’t just like it and move on. I replied. Every time. Whether it was a quick “Thanks for reading!” or answering their question. Sometimes I’d toss in encouragement to keep them coming back. It’s like planting seeds—water them, and they grow.
This isn’t just motivational fluff. Medium’s algorithm loves interaction. Comments and responses signal your post sparks conversation, so it gets boosted. But more than that, replying makes readers feel seen. In a world where 74% of Americans feel disconnected from online communities (Pew, 2024), that human touch matters.
Study Success, Then Repeat
Every time a post went viral, I treated it like a case study. Why did people click? What part made them share? The hook? The topic? How I simplified the idea? I took notes and reused what worked. My second viral post wasn’t luck—it was a tweaked version of the first, with a stronger spin.
Success leaves clues. If a “5 Ways to Debug Code Faster” article hits 10,000 views, don’t follow it with a 2,000-word essay about your life story. Double down on what works. Test, learn, repeat.
Build Something Bigger
Medium isn’t just a platform—it’s a starting point. Those 3,000 followers aren’t just a number; they’re people who trust me. That’s why I started sprinkling links to my Substack, where I share deeper dives on writing, monetization, and personal data analysis. It’s not about selling; it’s about giving more value to those who want to go further.
Think of your Medium profile as the front door. It’s where people meet you. But real connection happens when you invite them in—whether to a newsletter, course, or community. In 2024, 68% of creators reported using Substack or Patreon to build direct audience relationships, per a Creator Economy report. That’s where the magic happens.
The Road Ahead
Sixty days ago, I was just a regular guy with ideas and a keyboard. Now, I’m part of a community of readers who care about what I write. It’s humbling—and it lights a fire. If I can do it, you can too. Pick a topic you know, write simply, show up consistently, and talk to readers like they’re friends. Because they matter.
Start today. Write that first post. Hit “publish.” You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be you.
Want more tips like this? I share weekly breakdowns on writing, monetization, and audience-building on my Substack. It’s the stuff I wish someone told me when I started. Check it out if you’re curious.
Let’s build something real—one post at a time.
